Surface cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surface cleaning apparatus having a source of suction, a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet, a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for providing power to the source of suction, and a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between the outlet of the chamber and the source of suction. At least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through the cable storage device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase application of InternationalApplication PCT/GB2014/050312, filed Feb. 4, 2014, which claims priorityto U.K. Patent Application No. 1319372.7, filed Nov. 1, 2013 and to U.K.Patent Application No. 1400998.9, filed Jan. 21, 2014, the entirecontents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. In particular,this invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus which utilises asource of suction to draw dirt etc. from a surface being cleaned and tostore dirt in a chamber which can be emptied by a user. Such surfacecleaning apparatus are often referred to as “vacuum cleaners”.

SUMMARY

According to According to a first aspect of the invention we provide asurface cleaning apparatus having:

a source of suction;

a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet;

a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for

providing power to the source of suction; and

a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between the outletof the chamber and the source of suction;

wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through thecable storage device.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a surfacecleaning apparatus having:

a source of suction;

a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet;

a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for providing

power to the source of suction; and

a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between the outletof the chamber and the source of suction;

wherein the source of suction, the chamber for receiving dirt and thecable storage device are positioned in a generally side by sideconfiguration.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a surfacecleaning apparatus having:

a source of suction;

a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet;

a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for

providing power to the source of suction, including a space for storageof the cable;

a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between the outletof the chamber and the source of suction; and

an opening through which the cable extends/exits;

wherein the apparatus includes a valve for permitting fluid to flow fromthe cable storage device space to the source of suction.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a surfacecleaning apparatus according to the third aspect of the inventionincluding one or more or all of the features of any one of the first andsecond aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will now bedescribed by way of example only, with reference to the accompanydrawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatusaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a main body of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b is an alternative perspective view of the main body of theapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the main body of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with a valve in aclosed position;

FIG. 6a is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with the valvein an open position; and

FIG. 6b is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with the valvein a closed position; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the main body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures, these show a first embodiment of a surfacecleaning apparatus 10. In short, the apparatus 10 includes a main body12, a first wheel 14 positioned at a first end of the main body 12 and asecond wheel 16 positioned at an opposite, second, end of the main body12. The wheels are rotatable about a respective wheel axis. The mainbody 12 is generally cylindrical and has a generally elongate axis Awhich extends lengthwise of the main body 12 between the wheels 14, 16.

The main body 12 is shaped such that an exterior surface thereof isgenerally concave, with the exterior surface extending circumferentiallyaround the axis A. In more detail, in this particular embodiment themain body 12 has a central region C with respective side portions R, Lwhich sit between the central region C and each of the wheels 14, 16. Itcan be seen from the figures that a radius Y of each of the portions R,L increases as the exterior surface of that portion extends from thecentral region C towards each wheel 14, 16. In other words, the portionsR, L flare outwardly as they extend towards the wheels 14, 16.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the main body 12 ensures thatthere is a generally concave portion provided on a floor facing portionof the exterior surface of the main body 12, which provides a space Swhen the apparatus is positioned on a floor surface F with both wheels14, 16 contacting the floor surface F.

Whilst in the present example the main body 12 is generally symmetricalabout a plane which extends transversely through the central portion Cand the axis A, it should be appreciated that other shapes of the mainbody 12 could be utilised without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. It need not be the case that the exterior surface ofthe main body 12 is generally symmetrical about the axis A. For example,the main body 12 could be shaped such that a space S is provided betweenthe main body 12 and the floor surface F whilst an upwardly facingsurface of the main body 12 is not provided with any concave portion orthe like (it could be convex, for example). In this particular exampleit is beneficial for the radius of the ground engaging surfaces of thefirst and second wheels 14, 16 to be greater than the largest width ofthe main body 12 when measured transversely of the axis A. This ensuresthat the main body 12 does not foul the floor surface F when theapparatus is in use.

The main body 12 houses a source of suction 18, a chamber 20 forreceiving dirt having an inlet 22 and an outlet 24, a cable storagedevice 26 for storing electrical cable 28 for providing power to thesource of suction 18 and a fluid flow path 30 for providing fluidcommunication between the outlet 24 and the source of suction 18. Thesource of suction 18 includes a motor 18 a and a fan 18 b drivinglyconnected to the motor 18 a for providing the suction. The body alsohouses a cyclonic separator device 32 which is in communication with thechamber 20 in a manner known in the art and so will not be discussed inany further detail herein. The position and shape of these componentparts and their interaction will be discussed in more detail later. Themain body 12 is made out of a plastics material such as poly carbonateor acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The material is opaque but itcould also be made of a translucent or transparent material to permit avisual indication for the user of the level of dirt within the chamber20. The wheels are made of a rubber material. Embodiments are envisagedwhere a further, second, or even third cyclonic separator device isprovided. In addition, a multi-cyclonic device may be provided in theapparatus.

Each wheel is provided as an annular member which is supported forrotation by a generally circular exterior surface of a part 15, 17 ofthe main body 12. In other words, the parts 15, 17 of the main body 12provide a race which supports the annular wheel member 14, 16 andpermits it to rotate smoothly about its axis. Alternative configurationsof the wheel could be utilised without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For example, one or both wheels 14, 16 could bemounted for rotation on a common axle or respective axles which is/areconnected to the main body 12.

Whilst in the present embodiment the wheels 14, 16 are rotatable aboutaxes which are coaxial with each other and coaxial with the axis A ofthe main body 12, this need not be the case. For example, embodimentsare envisaged where the rotational axes of the wheels are offset fromthe axis A. Embodiments are also envisaged where the rotational axes ofthe first and second wheels are neither coaxial with each other norparallel with each other. For example, the rotational axes of the wheels14, 16 maybe inclined relative to the axis A of the main body 12.

Furthermore, whilst in the present embodiment the wheels 14, 16 arepositioned at opposite ends of the main body 12, embodiments of theinvention are envisaged where the wheels are positioned closer towardseach other. In such embodiments, it is also envisaged that a respectiveportion of the main body 12 may extend laterally past each wheel, suchthat each wheel is positioned inwardly from the opposite ends of themain body 12.

It can be seen from the figures that the apparatus 10 includes a handle34 which is connected to the main body 12 at the end of the main body 12which supports the wheel 16. The user graspable handle 34 is connectedto the main body 12 through the opening provided by the configuration ofthe annular wheel member 16. This permits a user to move the apparatus10 to a desired location. For example, the handle 34 permits the user tostand the apparatus 10 on the end of the apparatus 10 which supports thewheel 14 such that the axis A of the main body 12 is substantiallyvertical. For example, this configuration may be utilised when a user isusing the apparatus for cleaning a flight of stairs, or when storing theapparatus.

As can be seen from the figures the handle 34 extends diametricallyacross the end of the body 12 through the axis A of the main body 12 andthe handle 34 is smaller than a diameter of the exterior surface of thewheel 16. This ensures that the handle 34 does not foul the floorsurface F when the apparatus is being moved along the floor surface F.

In the present example the handle 34 is moveable between stored (shownin FIG. 3) and operable positions. In the operable position the handle34 is moved outwardly away from the wheel 16 against the biasing ofsprings 35.

Advantageously, the apparatus 10 includes a plurality of deflectormembers 36, 37 connected to the main body 12. The purpose of thedeflector members 36, 37 is to provide protection to the main body 12and also to assist a user in maneuvering the apparatus whilst cleaning.The deflector members 36, 37 advantageously assist the user inmaneuvering the apparatus past fixed objects e.g. door frames, chairs,tables.

User operable controls 38-40 are provided in recesses within thedeflector members 37. The positioning of the user operable controls38-40 in this location ensures that they are somewhat protected from anydamage as a result of collisions between the apparatus and fixedobjects.

In the present example the user operable control 38 is pivotallymoveable to control the opening of a lid 21 to the chamber 20. The useroperable control 40 is the power button for providing electricalconnection between a mains supply and the suction motor 18 a. The useroperable control 39 controls activation of the cable storage device 26to cause retraction of the cable 28 for storage in the main body 12. Itshould be appreciated that other user operable controls could beprovided within the spaces or recesses in the deflective members 37.Whilst no user operable controls are provided in the correspondingspaces in the deflector members 36 they could be provided if desired asan alternative or addition to the controls 38-40.

As shown in FIG. 1 the apparatus 10 includes a tool 42 for engaging afloor surface and a conduit/hose 44 connecting the floor tool 42 to themain body 12. These components are well known in the art of suchcleaners and thus will not be described in further detail.

The main body 12 includes a primary air inlet 46 which is positioned onthe main body 12, midway between the first and second ends of the mainbody 12. The primary air inlet 46 extends through a generally upwardlyfacing exterior surface of the main body 12. The primary air inlet 46 isfor connection to the conduit/hose 44. In this embodiment the primaryare inlet 46 includes a formation having an electrical connection forproviding power to the floor tool 42, although it is not essential. Themain body 12 also includes an opening 48 through which the cable 28 canexit from or enter towards the cable storage device 26.

The chamber 20 is generally cylindrical and removably connected to themain body 12 such that it can be removed through the end of the mainbody 12 for emptying by the user. Inlet 22 is provided on a side wall ofthe chamber 20 and is in fluid communication with the primary air inlet46. A pre-filter 50 is provided on the outlet 24 to remove anyparticulates present in the flow of air leaving the chamber 20 toprevent them from entering the fluid flow path 30 and causing any damageby coming into contact with the fan 18 b and motor 18 a.

The source of suction 18, chamber 20 and cyclonic separator device 32are positioned along the axis A of the main body 12 and, when powered,provide a suitable source of suction in order to draw air through theprimary air inlet 46, cyclonic separator device 32 and pre-filter 50.Positioned around the motor 18 a (near the wheel 16) is a post-motorfilter 52. Air passes through this filter 52 and apertures 54 at the endof the main body 12 to atmosphere.

The source of suction 18, the cable storage device 26 and the chamber 20are positioned in a generally side by side configuration within the mainbody 12. The fluid flow path 30 is a cylindrically shaped passage havingone end in fluid communication with the outlet 24 and the other end ofwhich is in fluid communication with the source of suction 18.

The cable storage device 26 is positioned substantially midway betweenthe ends of the main body 12, between the source of suction 18 and thechamber 20 such that the component parts are sequentially aligned. Inother embodiments the cable storage device 26 may be positioned in adifferent position away from the midway point and/or placed in adifferent sequential position with respect to the source of suction 18and the chamber 20. The cable storage device 26 could be positionedelsewhere, for example between the motor 18 a and the filter 52, orbetween the filter 50 and the suction fan 18 b, or indeed in any otherlocation within the interior of the main body 12.

Advantageously at least a portion of the fluid flow path 30 extendsthrough the cable storage device 26. The cable storage device 26 is ofan annular shape and has a space 60 within which the cable 28 is stored.

The cable storage device 26 includes an annular moveable part 62 whichis rotatable about the axis A around the fluid flow path 30. In thepresent example the cable storage device 26 includes a means for biasingthe cable 28 to be pulled into an interior of the main body 12 via theopening 48 provided on the main body 12 so that the cable 28 is coiledaround the moveable part 62. A free end of the cable 28 is connected toa plug 56 which, when the cable 28 is fully stored, is at leastpartially received in a recess 58 in the main body 12. In other words,the moveable part 62 is rotatable around the portion of the fluid flowpath 30 and extends circumferentially around a surface of the fluid flowpath. The moveable part 62 is thus parallel and coaxial with the axis Aof the main body 12. This provides for an optimum use of the interiorspace of the main body 12 allowing for a more compact configuration ofthe surface cleaning apparatus 10. In other embodiments the moveablepart 62 may only extend partially around the fluid flow path 30.

In particular, the cable storage device 26 defines a space 64 into andthrough which the fluid flow path 30 extends and around which space 64the cable storage device 26 follows a substantially annular path. Thespace 64 is formed substantially centrally of the cable storage device26 so as to further minimise the space taken by the component parts andmaximise the length of cable 28 which can be accommodated within theinterior space of the main body 12. The space 64 is generallycylindrical and has an elongate axis which is substantially parallel andcoaxial with the axis of the cable storage device 26.

It will be seen that the cable storage device 26 has an axis which issubstantially parallel with an axis of the source of suction 18, an axisof the chamber 20 and the axis A of the main body 12 so as to provide agenerally substantially coaxial arrangement. However, in otherembodiments the components may not be co-axial and, instead, theirrespective axes may be offset from one another and/or the axis A of themain body 12.

The side by side configuration of the cable storage device 26, source ofsuction 18 and the chamber 20 means that the respective component partsare positioned along the axis A of the main body 12. In this way thecomponent parts are in an end to end relationship by which it is meantthat each component occupies a respective space which is separate from aspace in which another component is positioned.

Although the example is described with respect to the surface cleaningapparatus 10 of the cylinder type, it will be appreciated that thepresent invention could equally be applied to that of an upright typecleaner. More particularly, the configuration of having a cable storagedevice 26 positioned such that the fluid flow path 30 that connects thesource of suction 18 to the chamber 20 extends through the cable storagedevice 26 provides for space savings which can equally apply to uprightcleaners and other types of shapes of the main body 12.

It will also be appreciated that in this embodiment there is a separatepassage which provides the fluid flow path 30 between the chamber 20 andthe source of suction 18. However, other embodiments are envisaged wherethe fluid flow path 30 may be provided by an integral portion of thecable storage device 26 such that the cable storage device 26 movestogether with the portion of the fluid flow path 30 during use. In thepresent example the cable storage device 26 is supported on the fluidflow path 30 but it could, alternatively, be mounted and rotatable withthe fluid flow path 30 in other embodiments.

Also, whilst the cable storage device 26 includes means for biasing thecable 28 to be drawn into the interior of the main body 12, embodimentsare envisaged which include a manually operable means for winding thecable 28 into the main body 12. For example there could be a handleaccessible outside of the main body 12 which a user moves so as torotate the annular member 62 so as to wind the cable 28 into theinterior of the main body 12.

With reference to the figures a second aspect of the present inventionwill now be described. The cable storage device 26 includes the space 60for storage of the cable 28 and the apparatus 10 includes an opening 48through which the cable 28 can exit and enter the cable storage device26. The apparatus 10 also includes a valve 66, in the form of pressurerelief valve, which provides for fluid communication between the cablestorage device space 60 and the source of suction 18. The valve 66includes an actuator having a seal 67 which is mechanically operable tomove between a closed position in which air is not permitted to flowfrom the space 60 to the source of suction 18, and an open position inwhich air is permitted to flow from the space 60 to the source ofsuction 18. In the closed position, the seal 67 prevents air fromflowing from the valve 66 to the source of suction 18. The space 60 inwhich the cable 28 is stored is substantially sealed from atmosphereapart from the opening 48.

The valve 66 is provided in a wall 68 between the cable storage device26 and the space in which the source of suction 18 is positioned. Thevalve 66 is biased by a spring to the closed position (FIG. 6a ) and isconfigured to move to the open position (FIG. 6b ) in which it permitsair to flow from the space 60 to the source of suction 18 when thepressure in the fluid flow path 30 reaches a predetermined threshold.

During normal operation of the apparatus 10, the source of suction 18will provide suction to the chamber 20 and primary air inlet 46 causinga drop in pressure. This will cause air to flow through the primary airinlet 46, through the cyclonic separator device 32 which separates dirtentrailed in the air, and the substantially cleaned air passes throughthe outlet 24 of the chamber 20 and pre-filter 50. The air will followthe fluid flow path 30 through the motor housing and to atmospherethrough the apertures 54 provided in the end of the main body 12. Thishas the effect of cooling the motor 18 a during operation and preventingoverheating. This flow path is shown in FIG. 5.

However, if an obstruction occurs upstream of the source of suction 18,for example, within the chamber 20, there will be no air passing fromthe outlet 24 of the chamber 20 through the motor housing to atmosphere.The pressure will then drop as the source of suction 18 continues todraw suction on the fluid flow path 30. There is then little or nocooling of the motor 18 a as no air will pass through the motor housingand as a result the motor 18 a will begin to heat. However, once thepressure reaches a pre-determined threshold, the valve 66 will move toits open position and then air from atmosphere can pass through thecable opening 48 on the main body 12 and the valve 66 to the motor 18 avia the fan 18 b before being exhausted to atmosphere. This arrangementtherefore allows for cooling of the motor 18 a in the event of anobstruction occurring in the flow path upstream of the motor 18 a. Thisflow path is shown in FIG. 6.

In this embodiment the valve 66 is a mechanical valve but in otherembodiments it is envisaged that an automated valve is provided which isoperated by electronic means. In such embodiments there may be apressure sensor positioned, in, for example, the fluid flow path 30,which senses when the pressure reaches the pre-determined threshold andprovides an output signal to a control means for moving the automatedvalve to the open position.

Embodiments of apparatus are envisaged which do not include a cyclonicseparator device, but instead utilise a receptacle, bag or the like forcollecting dirt which is supported within the chamber 20. In addition,embodiments are envisaged which do not include a cable storage device26, although it is desirable for the apparatus to be provided with sucha device in order to ensure compact storage of the electrical cable 28.

Whilst in the above examples a “dry” apparatus is taught, it should beappreciated that the apparatus could be modified to be a “wet” system,i.e. utilising a source of cleaning fluid within the apparatus which isapplied to the floor surface before being sucked back in to a chamberwithin the main body.

In each of the embodiments the chamber 20 is capable of receiving dirt,which definition encompasses either directly receiving dirt or therebeing a bag or the like supported within the chamber 20 which itselfcollects dirt.

The axis of the main body is a generally elongate axis thereof which inthis example extends lengthwise of the apparatus between the first andsecond wheels.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features,steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted toexclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the followingclaims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific formsor in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or amethod or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate,may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised forrealising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: a source of suction; achamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet; a cablestorage device for storing electrical cable for providing power to thesource of suction; and a fluid flow path for providing fluidcommunication between the outlet of the chamber and the source ofsuction; wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path extendsthrough a space defined by the cable storage device and the cablestorage device follows a substantially annular path around the space. 2.A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the source ofsuction, the chamber for receiving dirt and the cable storage device arepositioned in a generally side by side configuration.
 3. A surfacecleaning apparatus comprising: a source of suction; a chamber forreceiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet; a cable storage device forstoring electrical cable for providing power to the source of suction;and a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between theoutlet of the chamber and the source of suction; wherein the source ofsuction, the chamber for receiving dirt and the cable storage device arepositioned in a generally side by side configuration.
 4. A surfacecleaning apparatus according to claim 3 wherein at least a portion ofthe fluid flow path extends through the cable storage device.
 5. Asurface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 including: a body withan elongate axis; wherein the body includes: a first end whichpreferably includes a first wheel being preferably positioned at or nearthe first end of the body; and a second end which preferably includes asecond wheel being preferably positioned at or near the second of thebody; and wherein the body houses one or more of the source of suction,chamber and cable storage device.
 6. A surface cleaning apparatusaccording to claim 5 wherein the axis of the main body is generallyhorizontal when both the first and second wheels are engaged with asurface to be cleaned.
 7. A surface cleaning apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein an axis of the cable storage device is substantiallyparallel with an axis of the source of suction and/or the axis of thechamber and/or the body.
 8. A surface cleaning apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein an axis of the cable storage device is substantiallyco-axial with an axis of the source of suction and/or axis of thechamber and/or the body.
 9. A surface cleaning apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein an axis of the cable storage device is substantiallyparallel with the axis of the body.
 10. A surface cleaning apparatusaccording to claim 5 wherein an axis of the cable storage device issubstantially co-axial with the axis of the body. 11.-12. (canceled) 13.A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, the space beingformed substantially centrally of the cable storage device.
 14. Asurface cleaning apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the space isgenerally cylindrical.
 15. A surface cleaning apparatus according toclaim 14 wherein the space has an elongate axis substantiallyparallel/coaxial with an axis of cable storage device.
 16. A surfacecleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cable storage deviceis positioned between the source of suction and the chamber forreceiving dirt, preferably such that they are sequentially aligned. 17.A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 16 when directly orindirectly dependent on claim 5 wherein the cable storage device ispositioned substantially midway between the ends of the body.
 18. Asurface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cablestorage device includes a moveable part which is rotatable around theportion of the fluid flow path.
 19. A surface cleaning apparatusaccording to claim 18 wherein the moveable part is substantially annularand partially or wholly extends circumferentially around a surface ofthe fluid flow path.
 20. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim19 wherein the moveable part is rotatable about the axis of the cablestorage device.
 21. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 20wherein the axis of rotation is parallel with the axis of the body. 22.A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the axis ofrotation is co-axial with the axis of the body. 23.-51. (canceled)